Ask Aunt Judith: Gluten-free beer locally available

Dear Aunt Judith: I am now on a gluten-free diet but really miss having a cold beer on a hot summer day. Is there such a thing as gluten-free beer? A Reader

A: Much to my surprise, there is. Those who follow the brewmaster's art know beer can be made from a variety of grains and these brands sidestep wheat for sorghum, rice and other natural sources. There are several other gluten-free beers, although most are small regional labels that are harder to find.

■ Redbridge Beer: Made by Anhauser-Busch, it is available locally at MarketStreet.

■ Bard's Tale Beer: Created by two celiac sufferers and brewed from 100 percent malted sorghum, it can be found in health food stores or Whole Foods.

■ Estrella Damm DAURA: Made with barley with the gluten removed by a proprietary process, fans say Estrella has a true beer taste. Your enjoyment may depend on how sensitive you are to a 6 parts per million gluten presence (far below the legal definition of gluten-free).

Dear Aunt Judith: Somewhere while we were on vacation I tried a chocolate Snickerdoodle cookie and just loved it. Now I need a recipe so I can make them myself. L. Dean

A: What's the only way to improve a cookie jar classic like the Snickerdoodle? Add cocoa, of course!

This is a good time to recommend something professional bakers kept a trade secret for decades: baking parchment. Now available in most grocery stores, it's nothing short of a lifesaver, especially if you like to bake and give cookies during the holidays.

Sheets can be used and reused to make dozens of cookies; just wipe them off with a dry paper towel between batches. (I use separate sheets for chocolate and non-chocolate cookie recipes to keep flavors from transferring.)

Once you've finished baking cookies, well-used pieces of parchment can see one final service, lining a cookie sheet under a pie or casserole that's liable to bubble over. When you're done just throw the mess away.

If you have questions about food, cooking, kitchen equipment, dining or would like to publicize your organization's upcoming fundraising meal, write to me in care of the Blue Plate Special, P.O. Box 120, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307 or mcginnisj@timesrecordnews.com.